Hey gorgeous!
Can you believe it’s already the new year?
Time sure does fly.
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably looking to make some changes in your life for the upcoming year.
And what better way to start fresh on a new life of ease than by setting some soft life goals?
Trust me, these are WAY better than those crazy resolutions we always end up giving up on anyways.
So grab a cup of tea and let’s chat about some attainable goals for the new year that will leave you feeling happy, healthy, and ooh-so-soft!
Give yourself permission to do nothing for a day
As black women, we often think that in order to gain respect from others and make our mark in life, it means having to overwork ourselves.
(Put the cape down, sis)
However, it’s important for us to take some time out of our busy weeks for mental health and that means giving yourself permission to do nothing for an entire day.
Gone are the days of the “strong black woman” tropes.
You can leave that mess back in the ’60s where it belongs.
Stopping the hustle might sound difficult but it could actually be a rewarding experience since you can rest your mind and body in order to feel more happiness and a greater sense of ease in life.
Set some soft challenge rules for yourself and give yourself permission to step aside and “get somebody else to do it”.
The world is not going to stop because you choose to say “no” to a life of stress. ttake time out to indulge your feminine energy.
Don’t be afraid to give yourself the day off once in a while.
Social media can be overwhelming, especially when it’s full of people who make you feel bad about yourself.
Popular trends can pressure us to compare ourselves to unrealistic standards, but one of the simplest things we can do to have a softer life is to unfollow those who don’t make us feel good.
This includes not only people but also TikTok channels or brands that tend to normalize the idea of having an unattainable lifestyle.
Social media platforms nowadays flood our feeds and screens with endless images of faces, lifestyles, and “relationships” that can leave us feeling like we’re missing out or lacking.
Part of the soft life movement absolutely involves being kind to the one person that really matters-YOURSELF.
Constantly consuming content that silently encourages you to be in competition with a social influencer will not be a positive boon for the good, old mental health.
Taking this small step of clearing out our online spaces can do wonders for your mind and well-being.
Say no to things that you don’t really want to do
It’s okay to tell people “no” when something doesn’t align with your life’s priorities.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, and be clear about what works and doesn’t work for you.
Hustle culture will have you believing that your day needs to start at 4 am, cramming all kinds of activities in the day, and falling to bed completely spent and exhausted at midnight.
Just to do it again the next day (Thanks. I hate it).
Saying “no” can help lead to a softer life without the stress of being pulled in too many different directions.
Quiet quitting is usually assigned to duties related to work but, why not “quiet quit” all things that don’t make you feel good or you don’t really want to do.
Now, this doesn’t mean you get to be a totally irresponsible woman-child that only self-indulges.
On the contrary, it means creating balance in your life and recognizing that you don’t have to do EVERYTHANG.
Open yourself up to new ways of approaching responsibilities which will also benefit your emotional health, allowing you to live on your own terms.
Reject commitments that don’t bring you joy or add value; make it a regular occurrence and free yourself up for more meaningful experiences.
Spend more time outside in nature
Going for a simple stroll in nature is a great way to alleviate the stresses of life.
Whether you opt for a hike in the mountains, canoeing down a river, or a simple walk around your local park, spending time outside can be a simple yet powerful way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Instead of worrying about all that needs to get done or all the stressful situations you’re dealing with, give yourself some time outside in nature – it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding gifts you can give yourself.
Nothing helps clear the mind and calm the spirit more than a long walk.
Walking outdoors is also a great way to up your physical fitness without suffering through the sweat-stained gym equipment and unnecessary gym rat grunting.
It’s a simple change in routine but can quickly become part of your daily way of life that pays its weight in benefits.
Make your bed every morning
Making your bed every morning is a comfort zone hack of the soft life trend that is rarely mentioned.
This morning ritual is widely thought to promote a balance of masculine and feminine energies in life, as it demonstrates structure, dedication, and care – all vital traits for any successful person.
Starting off your day with this simple task can help keep you focused and motivated – what better way to start each morning than feeling refreshed?
It also provides a sense of accomplishment that can carry through your day, keeping you energized.
I notoriously never made my bed.
I saw it as an unnecessary waste of time that only delayed me from getting on with my day.
Since I started making my bed every day, however, I feel so much more motivated in the mornings and feel so ready to take on the day.
Set your intentions for the day by starting out with some relaxing meditation or breathing exercises before rising.
Then take 5 minutes to make that bed!
Don’t be fooled by such a small step; making your bed really can make a difference.
A soft life encompasses the mind, body, and spirit.
Don’t neglect even the smallest of things that put your energies in alignment.
Drink more water and eat less junk food
Drinking more water and eating less junk food is a great way to start leading a healthy lifestyle.
Taking small steps each day can help you get into the habit of healthy eating; this will become your normal way of life before you know it.
You’ll soon find that avoiding processed snacks and opting for nutrition-rich foods gives you so much more energy and keeps your body healthy.
Being dehydrated can make you feel tired and sluggish.
Increasing your water intake throughout the day can help combat that, giving you more energy to deal with the real world.
Plus, it’s easier on your wallet in the long run as healthy meals are usually cheaper to buy.
A nutrition-rich diet also gives your body the necessary fuel to meet the physical demands required to get through the day.
You can’t be your best when you are constantly feeling tired, stressed and broke.
So get started today on making healthy changes – there’s never been a better time!
Make peace with your natural hair
Whether your newly natural, or have been in the coily game for a while, it’s not uncommon to obsess over your hair sometimes.
Embrace the soft life and learn to love your natural hair!
We all want soft, healthy-looking hair but sometimes it feels like nothing we do is enough.
Choosing natural hairstyles does not have to take loads of prep time or stress to make your hair look amazing.
Think about how much time you can save by skipping the hours spent styling, curling or straightening your tresses.
Letting your hair do its thing can be incredibly liberating and freeing – all you have to do is give it a little love!
Now, it’s not going to be easy at first.
You will have to take some time to rehab your hair from all of the damage it has suffered doing all the things mentioned before.
(Read more: How To Grow 4c Hair to Waist Length)
And you will need to learn what styles, products ,and routines work best for your hair.
But once you’ve figured out the best way to twist out, or bantu knot, or perm rod your locks, you’ll find that styling natural hair leads to a soft(er) life of low manipulation ease.
Start by using gentle products specifically designed for natural hair, such as sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
From there, experiment with different treatments like deep conditioning and hot oil treatments to help nourish and protect your hair.
When it comes to styling, there are plenty of ways to keep your natural curls looking great without using heat or chemicals- try experimenting with products like gel or mousse to define your curls and let them be.
(Read more: How to use a hair steamer for healthy, dope natural hair)
Find images of other naturals who have mastered their type 4 coils and you will see these women are naturally beautiful.
Follow a few on YouTube for motivation and inspiration and know that, one day, your hair can be representative of a soft life too.
We personally love Green Beauty’s channel on YouTube.
Her hair is definitely #natural hair goals and we think she is gorgeous!
The media machine has subconsciously conditioned many of us to think that our natural coils are not feminine or beautiful.
The general (and deliberate) exclusion of black female representation in mainstream beauty spaces has real effects on the way we view ourselves and our beauty.
It can be difficult to unlearn the unrealistic standards that have been ingrained in us for so long and it’s important to recognize these false beliefs and replace them with positivity and appreciation for our natural beauty.
Get creative with your protective styles and try different styling techniques that work for you.
Learning to love your natural hair is all about embracing what makes you unique and celebrating it.
The soft life movement dictates that you embrace things that make you feel beautiful and unique, while not obsessing or indulging in things that make you feel stressed.
So go ahead and show your natural curls some love and know that they are just as much an expression of beauty as anything else.
The Takeaway
Doing nothing can become something remarkable for your mental health.
Unfollowing those who made us feel less than was liberating.
We found that the power of limiting distractions and finding comfort in the simple things gave us the clarity to choose life over exhaustion.
Saying no to obligations that were draining our energy provided a much-needed upgrade to our sanity and health.
Our time outdoors is now sacred, a reminder of our finite existence and gift from nature.
And making your bed every morning for all its simplicity remains a reminder of the small, yet meaningful actions that shape our lives each day as we head into fresh, unexplored territory.
So be gentle with yourself; look after your body with water and nourishment, laugh often, and always remember the wonderful person you are.
Embrace the soft life.
